Ronald Guzman (1B, TEX) - Week 21 Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in 14+ Team Leagues

OWNED IN: 4% of leagues

ANALYSIS: Despite all the success of younger rookies, Texas Rangers first baseman Guzman has had what should be considered a successful rookie campaign. He has demonstrated an ability to hit for power. In 297 at-bats, Guzman has 13 homers and 47 RBI. His power occurs despite a 30% hard-hit rate; however, he does distribute the ball all over the field (38%pull, 36%center, 26%opposite field). Guzman’s developing power does come with an increased strikeout rate (29%). This stems from his tendency to swing at pitches outside the zone (38%). He also has a below-league-average swinging strike rate of 14%. Guzman does have a league-average walk rate (8.2%) though.

In the last 14 days, Guzman has four homers, six RBI, and a .281 batting average. This was powered by a three-homer night against the Yankees. Guzman has a six-game schedule on the road against the Athletics and Giants. To his benefit, he will see more lefties this week, against which he is hitting .254. He doesn’t benefit from the hitter-friendly confines of Globe Life Park, but he will be playing in parks that are expansive enough for him to be successful.